North Tyneside Family Hubs are community spaces where families can access support, information and activities. They offer things like stay-and-play sessions, parenting support, health-visitor clinics and help to access other services. They are free, welcoming and open to all families - you don’t need a diagnosis or referral to attend.
North Tyneside
Families don’t have to manage things alone. There is support in the community to help with everyday challenges, and to connect with other families who understand.
0-19 Children’s Public Health Service
The 0-19 Children’s Public Health Service in North Tyneside includes health visitors, school nurses and family health practitioners who support children, young people and families from pregnancy through to age 19.
They can help with things like:
- child development
- feeding and sleep
- emotional wellbeing
- physical health
- continence, puberty and relationships
- support around long-term conditions
Health professionals can offer advice, signpost to other services, and work with schools and families to support children’s health and wellbeing.
Families do not need a diagnosis or referral to speak to a health visitor or school nurse, and can contact the service directly for advice or reassurance.
North Tyneside Parent Carer Forum
North Tyneside Parent Carer Forum (NTPCF) is a Community Interest Company led by and for, parents/carers of children and young people with SEND aged 0-25yrs.
They work with relevant providers on a strategic level to help improve and develop local services available to families.
They provide information and training opportunities to parent/carers in our community enabling them to access these services and give a representative voice to shape and develop these services.
Online information and resources
- North East Autism Society, supporting autistic and neurodivergent children, young people, adults, and their families
- National Autistic Society (NAS) UK’s leading autism charity
- Autistica, UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity
- The Brain Charity supports anyone based in the UK who has a neurological condition, and their family, friends, and carers
Help to understand special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
The SEND Local Offer brings together information about support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in North Tyneside.
It includes information on:
- services and support in education, health and social care
- activities and community groups
- eligibility and pathways
- advice for young people transitioning to adulthood
The Local Offer helps families understand what support is available, how it works, and how to access it.
If your child is struggling with sleep, routines or settling, you can get support from the 0-19 Children’s Public Health Service (health visitors and school nurses) and Family Hubs.
They can offer advice on routines, behaviour, sensory issues and child development, and let you know if more help is needed.
You don’t need a diagnosis or referral to ask for support.
Help with emotional wellbeing and mental health support
If your child is feeling anxious, worried, or overwhelmed, support is available through school-based teams, Early Help emotional wellbeing services, Connect Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in schools and The HIVE Team.
CAMHS can help when needs are more complex or severe.
Support is based on your child’s needs, not a diagnosis.
Talking to school or your GP can be a helpful first step - they can submit a request for support form to the Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Collaborative with your consent.
Barnardo’s Young People’s Service
The Base - provides group and wraparound 1:1 support with young people who are struggling in their lives which is impacting on their mental and emotional wellbeing. Issues such as self-esteem and confidence, loneliness and isolation, low mood, anxiety, stress, self-harm/suicidal ideation, sleep issues, eating disorders, risk taking or harmful behaviours etc which may relate to family/relationships, friendships, school/ college gender, identity, sexuality, neurodiversity, health, sexual health, drugs and alcohol, bereavement/long term health conditions, young carer role, bullying, eating distress etc.
Kooth - Free, safe and anonymous online counselling and wellbeing platform for young people aged 10-25.
Help with eating, diet and nutrition
- For younger children, 0-19 Service can help with feeding, weaning, mealtimes and routines.
For older children, difficulties with eating can be linked to sensory needs, emotional wellbeing or physical health, and school or a GP can help explore what support might help.
If eating difficulties are causing concern, a GP may discuss referral for more specialist support.
- Eating Distress North East (EDNE) is a charity offering independent confidential services to people affected by eating distress across the North East
- Beat, UK’s eating disorder charity
Help with speech, language and communication
Support is available through Speech and Language Therapy, as well as through nurseries, schools and SENCos, who can put strategies in place and help with referrals if needed.
Family Hubs may also offer activities to support early communication and development.
You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for support.
Help with movement and getting active
There are inclusive activities, play sessions and sports opportunities in North Tyneside through Family Hubs, leisure centres and community groups.
Schools can help adapt PE and physical activities to meet a child’s needs, and support participation in a way that feels safe and positive.
Being active can help with confidence, friendships and wellbeing.
Help with education (schools and colleges)
Schools and colleges have a duty to support children with additional needs so they can access learning.
This might include adjustments in class, help with communication or emotional regulation, or support from specialist services.
Families can speak to the school’s SENCo to find out what support is available.
SENDIASS and the SEND Local Offer can help if you need advice or information.
Help finding clubs and family activities
There are groups and activities for children and young people across North Tyneside, including through Family Hubs, youth groups, leisure centres and community organisations.
Some activities are specifically designed to be inclusive and welcoming for children with additional needs.
The SEND Local Offer lists clubs, social groups and activities for children and young people with SEND.
You can talk to Family Hubs or your child’s school if you need help finding a suitable group or activity.
Help with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) legal advice
SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
SENDIASS is a free, confidential and impartial service for families of children and young people with SEND.
They can help with:
- understanding rights and entitlements
- navigating SEND processes and paperwork
- support during meetings
- education plans (EHCPs), appeals and disagreements
- signposting to local support
SENDIASS can support families at any point, whether you’re exploring concerns for the first time or already involved in SEND processes.
IPSEA, leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, providing free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND
First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)